New legislation could help drivers avoid congestion

A change in legislation to allow companies greater access to road data could help drivers avoid congestion, says the Government.

It has announced plans to open up data on planned changes to the road network, highlighting potential traffic jams up to months in advance.

This follows a review of legislation around Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) – the orders behind restrictions on the road network which allow for temporary roadworks or permanent changes to the road.

Companies will potentially be able to develop and enhance navigational apps powered by AI, warning drivers months in advance of planned disruption to routes and offering alternatives to help save time and money.

George Freeman, minister for the future of transport, said: “As a road user, there is nothing more frustrating than discovering roadworks and getting stuck in traffic jams.

“Today’s announcement will help open up data, reducing congestion, pollution and frustration for road users.”

The department will work with organisations including local authorities and the connected and automated vehicle sector to look at introducing legislation to make it easier to access data around the predicted 50,000 road closures a year.

The review will support the Government’s Future of Mobility Grand Challenge by considering whether current legislation is fit to maximise the potential of future technologies.