Street Manager System could SAVE Britain’s roads

The government has unveiled a plan which will support drivers in efforts to avoid traffic, delays and roadworks. Feed on live traffic will be provided to the Street Manager system, meaning road users will be able to avoid delay-causing roadworks thanks to the reports. The plan is set to cost around £10 million and will be implemented in an effort to replace a “costly and ineffective system”

Speaking on the matter, the AA said research shows drivers waste an estimate of 31 hours stuck in traffic every year. The new system is set to be used by local councils and synced to route-planners meaning it can calm the storm when dealing with necessary roadworks to improve Britain’s roads.

Government officials hope firms like Maze and Google Maps will update their systems with the information provided, which could even lead to partnerships to develop the technology further. Roads Minister Jesse Norman had this to say: “Roadworks can often be frustrating for motorists, especialy when they cause hold-ups at busy times and delay journeys. We want to reduce disruption and delay, and Street Manager is just one of a number of actions we are taking so that local authorities and utility companies can better plan and manage their roadworks.

‘The data opened up by this new digital service should enable motorists to plan their journeys better, so they can avoid works and get to their destinations more easily.’ The RAC’s road policy spokesman Nicholas Lyes said: ‘This new technology, together with the plethora of existing online travel planning tools on offer, has the potential to give drivers a clear and accurate picture of what their journey will be like, saving them time and hassle.’

“Lane rental schemes” will offer new bidding guidance, meaning local councils across the country will be able to charge utility firms that choose to work on the busiest known roads at peak times, was also announced. Aiming to encourage development firms to plan and schedule roadworks with councils in an effort to reduce disturbances on the road. Head of roads policy, Jack Cousens, spoke on this matter: ‘Drivers and local authorities are frustrated when roadworks seem to repeat themselves, so focusing utility companies to encourage co-operative works with other parties and fixing at off-peak times are a good thing.’

Martin Tett, the LGA’s transport spokesman, commented: ‘The extension of lane rental powers, long called for by councils, will give incentives to utilities to minimise disruption on the busiest roads throughout the country.’
With some luck these plans could improve the daily workflow for hauliers across the UK and cut traffic for drivers as a whole.

 

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