A NEW traffic information service has been launched by Trafficmaster. Called Oracle, the latest development in in-car hi-tech will provide audible information on motorway traffic through the car's standard audio system using a network of sensors on Britain's motorways.

The system is automatic and needs no interaction from the driver who will get spoken messages which override the car stereo. Drivers will get the first message 400 metres before they enter the motorway and once on will get a continuous stream of information.

Unlike RDS EON (Radio Data Signal), Oracle provides traffic information which is live, location specific and relevant to the car's direction of travel. If there is slow traffic the sensors will enable the unit to say where the jam is, length of tailback, whether traffic is stationary, slow or very slow - and calculate likely delays. An accessory version of Oracle goes on sale at the end of the year at the earliest.