TRANSPORT telematics will become the PC revolution of the next decade, according to Steve Norris, former transport minister and member of the Board of Transport for London.

Telematics are already starting to make their mark in the UK through 'track and trace' systems, traffic data and vehicle information.

However, systems will become significantly more proactive, giving drivers a variety of options and predicting the outcome of taking specific options in terms of journey time as well as offering public transport alternatives. Vast amounts of leisure and business-related information will also be available.

'The last decade saw the office revolutionised by the PC. The impact of transport telematics will be just as dramatic in the next decade,' said Norris. 'Systems will be voice-driven and they will totally transform our lives. Drivers will wear their portable driving aid as they wear their watch.'

Norris, a director of ITIS (Integrated Transport Information Services) Holdings, added: 'Systems will monitor use and abuse of fleet vehicles and the information gathered will impact on the economics and logistics of the fleet industry.'