New Sat Nav Will Avoid Traffic Congestion

Tuesday, 22. July 2008

Apparently on the new technology front there is to be a new generation Sat Nav available within 2 years. Researchers are developing a new navigation system that alerts motorists to traffic jams and advises of the best avoiding route before they reach the congestion. (Yeah right – I thought that’s what RDS was all about when they tell you 5 minutes after you’ve joined the 12 mile tailback that there’s a bit of a que ahead). Anyway, I’ll stop being cynical and explain that the new system called congestion avoidance dynamic routing engine (CADRE) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret live traffic information shared between vehicles fitted with special GPS systems. CADRE can sense traffic slowing by monitoring vehicle movements and will alert drivers 5 to 10 miles away of a situation as it is happening. Dr David Brown, head of research into this system explained ‘It’s designed to take the pain out of that agonising decision about whether to try an alternative route which could be equally congested’. CADRE could be available in as little as 18 months. By then of course congestion will be a thing of the past as fuel will have topped a fiver a litre! Oops I said I’d stop being cynical!