Paragon Software Systems is using traffic speed data captured from satellite tracking systems to predict travel times.

Paragon’s routing and scheduling software now includes an option for reliable average speed data following an agreement with ITIS, supplier of traffic and travel information.

Data is collected from around 200,000 vehicles travelling around the UK.

More than two billion GPS positions are recorded annually to provide the speed data from actual moving vehicles.

The data provides a much truer reflection of real travel times.

Previously it was only possible to apply average speeds based on a road classification, such as urban motorway or rural B-road, along with regional adjustments.

Paragon says the enhancement means route plans will be more realistic and hence both more accurate for transport managers and more acceptable to drivers.

William Salter, managing director of Paragon, said: “This development is an important advancement in routing and scheduling optimisation.

“By analysing ITIS speed data traffic, calculations are more precise and travel time planning immediately becomes more accurate.”