A new government-funded web service will allow drivers to plan their routes using up-to-the-minute data that helps them avoid roadworks and congestion.
The system, which will cost the Department of Transport (DfT) up to £10 million, is called Street Manager, and is set to launch next year.
Street Manager will replace current roadworks data, which the DfT says is often incomplete or out of date, with real-time data that will be available for developers to use. As a result, apps such as Google Maps and Waze will be able to use the data to enhance their services.
The data will be harvested from utility companies, local authorities and the highways agencies, who will share real-time updates on the 2.5 million roadworks that take place in England every year.
The system will also help these companies and agencies collaborate on roadworks, which could reduce the overall number of hold-ups.
Roads Minister Jesse Norman said: “Roadworks can often be frustrating for motorists, especially when they cause hold-ups at busy times and delay journeys.
“We want to reduce this disruption and delay, and Street Manager is just one of a number of actions we are taking so that local authorities and utility companies can better plan and manage their roadworks.
“The data opened up by this new digital service should enable motorists to plan their journeys better, so they can avoid works and get to their destinations more easily.”
At the same time, the government is also publishing new guidance on so-called “lane-rental” schemes, which see utility companies pay up to £2,500 a day for carrying out roadworks on busy routes at peak times.
The guidance is in place to help local authorities develop such schemes, and to encourage utility companies to share the cost by co-ordinating work.
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