BUSINESSES could save £2.2 billion and predicted nightmare traffic congestion levels could be avoided if companies utilise information technology. Two highways - the virtual highway and the real road - must run side by side with new technology playing a vital part in curbing congestion chaos, according to the RAC.

A new report from the motoring organisation examines the impact of information technology on travel, traffic and congestion and shows that within 10 years:

Government traffic forecasts predict that congestion in 2007 will be 21% worse than today, but the RAC's 'Motors or Modems?' report says virtual traffic will cut that figure by more than half. The report says commuting, business travel and shopping now account for 25%, 16% and 11% of total car traffic respectively.