Skip to main content

New project aims to deliver next generation road mapping for England and Wales

The Department for Transport is to contribute US$4.6 million to help create a digital road map that will give the most detailed information yet to councils and emergency services. The new map, developed by Ordnance Survey, has the potential to transform how all levels of government maintain and improve roads by detailing information such as road widths, traffic calming measures and height and weight restrictions. This dataset could also be linked to other information held by government, including planned ro
February 26, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
The 1837 Department for Transport is to contribute US$4.6 million to help create a digital road map that will give the most detailed information yet to councils and emergency services.

The new map, developed by Ordnance Survey, has the potential to transform how all levels of government maintain and improve roads by detailing information such as road widths, traffic calming measures and height and weight restrictions. This dataset could also be linked to other information held by government, including planned road works and cycle paths.

The information may also be used in satellite navigation systems. It will also help emergency services find the quickest routes when responding to emergency calls.

Local and national government currently use a variety of maps when planning road projects and maintenance. The new mapping system will bring all existing information together, cutting bureaucracy and saving money spent by councils and government on exchanging and comparing different maps.

Announcing the funding, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “This government is backing schemes that will make Britain’s transport system world-class. This mapping project has the potential to substantially improve how we look after our roads. It will help make journeys more efficient and ensure traffic keeps moving.”

Neil Ackroyd, Ordnance Survey acting chief executive, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the 6932 Local Government Association, GeoPlace and the Local Highways Authorities to create a single, unified highways product for use across both the public and private sector.”

Related Content

  • TTF confirms traffic signal funding recipients
    August 25, 2021
    TTF found traffic signals with faulty detectors and equipment 
  • Platform announcement: public transport is running 10 years behind schedule
    March 10, 2023
    Public transport worldwide is under pressure on a variety of fronts. Jon Salmon of Snapper Services UK explains why the industry should look more at data – and pick up some tips from the retail sector
  • Off road trials for electric highways technology
    August 11, 2015
    Following the completion of the feasibility study commissioned by Highways England into dynamic wireless power transfer technologies, off road trials of the technology needed to power electric and hybrid vehicles on England’s major roads are due to take place later this year. The trials are the first of their kind and will test how the technology would work safely and effectively on the country’s motorways and major A roads, allowing drivers of ultra-low emission vehicles to travel long distances without
  • Two wheels good
    June 25, 2018
    As cycling becomes an increasingly popular method for commuting and recreation, what moves are afoot to keep the growing numbers of cyclists safe on ever-more-busy roads? Alan Dron puts on his helmet and pedals off to look. It would have seemed incredible just a decade ago, but cycling in London has become almost unfeasibly popular. The Transport for London (TfL) June 2017 Strategic Cycling Analysis document noted there were now 670,000 cycle trips a day in the UK capital, an increase of 130% since 2000.