A new mobile application has been launched by the RAC, which shows start and end points of congestion, overlayed onto Google Maps.

The app pinpoints the user’s location, meaning an immediate view of regional traffic is easily at hand.

Text and audio summaries of traffic conditions are also available.

"This level of detail will give motorists the most precise and accurate view of live traffic conditions on the UK’s roads that is currently available on a mobile phone app," said the RAC.

The app utilises up-to-the-minute traffic updates from Trafficlink, the UK’s leading provider of real-time traffic information.

The app is free to download, and is available for both iPhone and Google Android phones. Motorists can download the app at the iTunes App Store and Android Market.