TRAFFIC information provider Trafficmaster has announced major expansion plans, including a doubling of its UK workforce to almost 400 people and a move to a new 50,000sq ft headquarters early next year. The new jobs will be across the board and will include positions to help the group expand an internet-based fleet management service which it will launch in the UK on May 22.

The telematics company's fleet tracking product called FleetStar, which combines a satellite receiver, modem and a microprocessor, will allow fleet managers to track their vehicles 24 hours a day.

The operator can then monitor information such as vehicle mileage, speed, routes and delivery times, virtually anywhere in the country.

Trafficmaster highlighted its forthcoming services at the launch of a new German-based division, Trafficmaster Europe, in which Motorola has bought a 10% stake. Trafficmaster is confident that demand for its traffic information services both in the UK and abroad will continue to grow. 'Within five years the average make of car will have a box in it that can receive traffic information. We have already seen a revolution in the office and the car will be like that in the not too distant future,' said chief executive David Martell.