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Scotland’s new traffic control hub an ‘exciting new chapter’

A new traffic control centre that will co-ordinate a more joined-up response during major travel incidents and severe weather as well as target reduced journey times across the transport network is officially open for business. The new Traffic Scotland traffic control centre boasts the latest technology and will keep the public up to date with traffic information about incidents on more than 3,500 kilometres of Scotland’s trunk road network. Modern technology and improved co-ordination will be used to colla
April 22, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
A new traffic control centre that will co-ordinate a more joined-up response during major travel incidents and severe weather as well as target reduced journey times across the transport network is officially open for business.

The new Traffic Scotland traffic control centre boasts the latest technology and will keep the public up to date with traffic information about incidents on more than 3,500 kilometres of Scotland’s trunk road network.

Modern technology and improved co-ordination will be used to collate and communicate real-time traffic information on incidents and events that take place on the trunk road network, meaning travellers are able to make better informed decisions about their journeys.

Significant additional benefits will also be delivered by combining the Forth Replacement Crossing Contact and Education facility with the new control centre. Previously 505 Transport Scotland’s operations were located in Glasgow, co-ordinating the emergency travel response via the establishment of the Multi-Agency Response Team (MART).

Opening the centre, Scotland’s deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today marks the culmination of a long journey but also marks the start of an exciting new chapter.

“The Traffic Scotland service has enjoyed a proud history and the new centre will take everything that was effective about the previous service and rehouse that expertise in surroundings fit for the 21st century, complete with the modern technology required to deliver a more effective approach.

“This impressive new facility, overlooking the Forth, road and replacement crossings, will quickly become the beating heart of Traffic Scotland’s operations.

“An efficient and safe transport system is essential for a modern society with a competitive economy.”

Superintendent Iain Murray said: “The new control room is an excellent example of partnership working and sharing resources to provide the best possible response to incidents on the trunk roads network.  “The control room will provide the new police trunk roads patrol group with live access to information about incidents and issues on the road and will improve deployment plans and attendance times.”

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