Following successful trials in the UK’s West Midlands region, a new smartphone application that alerts drivers to roadworks and delays on their regular routes has been rolled-out nationwide.
The Roadzwork app that enables road users to avoid the frustration of roadworks has been successfully trialled by Staffordshire County Council and its coverage has now been extended nationally.
Designed to help drivers avoid the frustrations associated with roadworks and other incidents on their local, regular daily or weekly routes, the app informs them of the potential problems before they set out on a journey.
People traveling on familiar journeys, such as to work or on a school run, often only find out about the roadworks, incidents or public events that may cause delays when they reach its location. With the new Roadzwork app, users just need to add their routes, along with the days and times they usually travel, and the software does the rest. The app informs users of possible delays on or close to their routes, the expected severity, and also provides detailed information on the works and the option to get directions to avoid the area.
Roadzwork has been developed by Beepz as a result of a pilot project funded by Innovate UK, which is part of the government’s Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BIS). The Staffordshire-based company developed the Roadzwork app as a solution to the problem of how local authorities are able communicate the presence roadworks on their network with all road users, and help people understand and prepare for planned and emergency works.
The Roadzwork app ensures that the road users only receive information that is applicable to their particular route, on the days and times they state. They can also share the delay with friends to ensure that they avoid it. The app is available now on Apple iOS, and is currently being developed for both Android and Windows platforms.
“We do all we can to inform people in advance of any of our works, but delays can also be caused by emergency utility works, incidents and public events. People usually check and plan if they’re going on a longer or unfamiliar journey, but tend to just head straight out on familiar routes they use most days,” noted Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport.
“The Roadzwork app alerts people straight away, meaning they can allow extra time or use an alternative route. We will always look to use emerging technologies to help people understand and prepare for changes to their roads, avoid traffic congestion and delays, and feel less disruption to their daily lives, and so we were pleased to be selected as the area to pilot the application.”
Beepz CEO James Manning said, “We have developed a solution that makes people’s daily journeys easier, while also providing information on the reason for the works. After a successful trial of the app in Staffordshire, we are now extending it nationwide to assist road users all over the country.”
