Drivers in London can now find out where traffic is busy, or may become congested, before they hit the road, with a new facility on the Transport for London (TfL) website.

The new information tool links you into London’s network of 170 ‘Jam Cams’ so you can see what the traffic’s like before you get there. 

Go to the site and you will see a road map of London with all the traffic cameras and variable message signs identified.  Click on any one and you will be able to see the state of the traffic in real time.  So, if you want to know whether the Westway is choc-a-bloc or if the Edgeware Road is any better, now you can check in seconds before you leave your office.  Brilliant!

The new information is part of the Mayor's ongoing work to smooth traffic flow and reduce disruption for every road user in London.   His interventions include tackling roadworks through closer working with the boroughs and utility companies, the introduction of the roadworks permitting scheme which has been embraced by every London borough, a reduction in the roadworks cap which restricts the number of works that can be carried out at any one time, and the ‘Report It’ system which enables Londoner's to name and shame bad practice.
 
By the end of this financial year, serious and severe disruption caused by roadworks on London's red routes is expected to be down by almost 40% since permitting was introduced in January 2010. Yesterday the government confirmed its intention to lay down legislation for a roadworks lane rental scheme which would build on this, helping to reduce disruption by a further 33% by 2015.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “This new service will give motorists and indeed other road users the power to become the eye in the sky and avoid nasty snarl ups.  Anyone with Internet access or a mobile phone will be able to check out the latest situation on their chosen route and make informed journey choices.” 
 
Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer for Surface Transport at TfL said: “Technology now allows us to put a wealth of information at motorists' fingertips.  Those who know their route well can now pre-empt any congested areas by checking online before they set out on their journey.”

This live traffic news data is also being made freely available to all software and app developers, and all providers of live travel news are urged to get their information straight from the source so that motorists have access to the most accurate and up-to-the-minute traffic information.

 Photo caption: Could this be the best idea Boris has had yet? 

Comment

Oh how I wish this had been around when I worked in London.  I might have stayed! Ed