COMPANY car drivers will be able to check traffic conditions before they set off under a new Government-backed initiative.

A six-month pilot scheme in the Bristol area will provide drivers with realtime traffic and travel information by using 15 traffic management cameras on the M4, M5, M48, M49 and Severn crossings.

Local television station HTV West will broadcast live traffic updates and realtime digital images, and drivers can also access the information by logging on to BBC Bristol Online.

The scheme will evaluate technology to be used by the National Traffic Control Centre due to open in Birmingham in 2004.

Transport Minister David Jamieson said: 'Video images from the roadside are one of the richest sources of realtime travel information currently available. This trial will enable motorists in and around Bristol to plan their journeys more reliably.'