Queue-busting sat-nav developed

The new system could be on sale within 18 months

A new sat-nav device is being developed which can warn of traffic jams ahead, scientists have revealed.

The Congestion Avoidance Dynamic Routing Engine shares information from other sat-nav systems to create a picture of how busy roads are.

Using the data, the unit can analyse live traffic information to give drivers the chance to avoid queues.

The device, which is being developed at the University of Portsmouth, could be on sale within 18 months.

Dr David Brown, head of the university's Institute of Industrial Research, said: "The system interprets live data from current traffic conditions so the motorist receives up-to-the-minute advice and can make an informed choice.

"It's designed to take the pain out of that agonising decision about whether to try an alternative route which could be equally congested."

The system will also takes into account how traffic speeds vary by the day of the week and the time of day on individual roads.

The project is being developed by a consortium, consisting of the University of Portsmouth, ComSine, Smartcom Software, the Transport Research Laboratory, ViaMichelin and Hampshire County Council.

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