The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport, and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. We have a major role in delivering the Government's Ten Year Plan for Transport.

The purpose-built centre has been designed to collect, analyze and communicate motorway travel information.

It is gathering real time information from across the motorway network, making the lives of road users easier by keeping them better informed and making journey times more reliable.

What are the operational interfaces?

The operational interfaces are numerous and include:
* 300 Variable Message Signs covering all major route choice junctions

* 2000 real-time traffic monitoring sites (loops and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras)

* Interfaces with all Regional Control Officers and communication links with 42 police forces.

What are the key benefits?

* Accurate real-time information both pre-journey and en route.

* Reduced disruption caused by major incidents.

* Better advice about alternative routes to minimize effects of congestion, incidents or road works.

* Improved journey time reliability.

* Reduced driver stress and safer roads.