Staff from the Highways Agency met with fleet operators in Birmingham last week to demonstrate a number of traffic information services.

The demonstrations included a free electronic system that gives real-time information on any incidents or delays on the motorway or major 'A' road network.

The system even shows what is currently being displayed on electronic roadside message signs and the average speed between individual motorway junctions.

The Agency, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England's motorway and major 'A' road network, also set out steps it is taking to help make journeys safer and more reliable.

This included explaining the new Active Traffic Management scheme on the M42, which involved hard-shoulder running and has improved journey time reliability.

Other presentations included the Agency's work to clear up traffic incidents and a new system of weather alerts for goods vehicles in the event of strong winds.

There was also a demonstration of the Fresnel lens initiative which the Agency has issued to left-hand drive vehicles, which eliminates the blind spot in the front right corner of the vehicle and reduces the risk of side-swipe incidents.

Further free events aimed at fleet managers are planned for the rest of the country.

More information can be found on the Highways Agency’s website - www.highways.gov.uk