Navigation apps may improve trip planning as UK government has announced its plans to open up data on planned changes to the road network.
The Department of Transport (DfT) state access to road network data could lead to the next generation of navigational apps.
After a review of the orders behind restrictions on the road network which allow for temporary roadworks or permanent changes to the road, the legislation around Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs), tech firms could gain access to the data to inform navigation apps.
The DfT suggest the proposed navigational apps will be powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and will improve drivers trip planning. The open data will allow the apps to warn road users about traffic jams caused by roadworks.
As a result, the DfT said drivers will be more confident when planning important trips, as the fear of being stuck in traffic, congestion, delays and air pollution will all be reduced.
Navigation app companies will also potentially be able to develop and enhance their systems as they will be able to warn drivers up to months in advance of planned disruption to routes, and offer alternatives.
Minister for the Future of Transport George Freeman 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,” added Freeman.
The DfT said it will be working with organisations including local authorities and the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) sector, as to look at introducing legislation to make it easier to access data around the predicted 50,000 yearly road closures building on the government’s commitment to make travelling cleaner and greener, safer, easier and more reliable.
