September 2002

Trafficmaster, which can claim to be the grand-daddy of UK traffic information systems, has taken its service firmly into the realms of the telematics arena with the launch of a product called Smartnav. This integrates the company's existing information service, which is based on the well-known blue sensors on all major roads, with satellite-based navigation and what it's calling "personal information services".

The service can plan routes in real time, basing its advice on predictive, historical, live and incident traffic information.

Drivers interact over a standard mobile phone network, contacting an automated "personal assistant" or PA. When they request a route, it is calaculated "on the fly" and transmitted back to the cab, where it is stored and read out to the driver offline in the form of "automated verbal instructions". The in-vehicle equipment includes a GPS unit and mobile transmitter/receiver.

The service works by storing maps and calculating routes centrally at Trafficmaster's headquarters, using Motorola-developed server software. There is an optional Route Guard feature, under which the system monitors traffic congestion, alerts drivers to problems and gives them the option to choose an alternative route to avoid delays.

Smartnav also supports SOS call assistance, connecting drivers to emergency or breakdown services when required, and holds information about 90,000 points of interest such as cash machines.

A single Trafficmaster Smartnav system is priced keenly at £499 plus fitting. In addition, there's an annual subscription charge of £120, or £350 for four years.