Debut Of New Trafficmaster Traffic Alert For Latest Rover 25 And 45 Models
Published: 22nd October 2002
Initial working mode
Traffic Alert displays the time whenever the ignition is switched on. When the car comes within range of its first Trafficmaster transmitter, of which there are over 7,500 within the UK network, it will also display a triple segment ‘roadway’ icon. If all major routes in the area are flowing at above 30 mph, (or 20 mph within the M25) the three segments of the icon will appear empty. If the Traffic Alert unit receives information that traffic flow has fallen below the relevant speed in one given direction on the surrounding major roads, it can give a single audible ‘beep’ (the driver can suppress this whenever required) and display details of the distance, direction and road number of the congestion point.
Distance is indicated by which of the three roadway segments is illuminated: the bottom segment for around five miles or one motorway junction (which ever is the greater) away, middle segment for 10 miles or two junctions and the top segment for 15 miles/ 3 junctions. The direction of the congestion point relative to the car is indicated as N, S, E or W, except on a circular motorway such as the M25, where it is described as clockwise or anti-clockwise.
Should there be two congestion points signalled for the area, the display will cycle between the two warning displays every three seconds. After 30 seconds the display will always clear, leaving the relevant segment(s) illuminated as a reminder. If three or more congestion signals are received, a warning triangle and all three segments illuminate.
Continuing operation
Once the car has come into the range of a second Trafficmaster transmitter, the Traffic Alert will determine the direction of travel and then ignore congestion signals for roads behind the car or in the opposite direction. It then continues to warn of congestion within a five-mile radius on adjoining roads and for 20 miles or two motorway junctions ahead, whichever is the greater. Inside the M25, these ranges are reduced to three miles and seven miles respectively.
The display information is updated every time a new message is received from a different transmitter. If no new message is received within seven minutes, the internal memory of the Traffic Alert is cleared, and it reverts to the initial working mode as above, to begin another cycle.
Further congestion detail
Where it is safe to do so, either by stopping (or asking
a passenger) to use a mobile telephone, the Clock Alert user
can obtain more detailed traffic information, such as estimated
delay time, by dialling 1740.
