March 2001

Real-time traffic information will be integrated with vehicle tracking under a new deal between Global Telematics, the company behind the Orchid tracking system, and Trafficlink, a TTI (traffic and travel information service) provider.

Orchid allows fleet operators to track the position of vehicles on screen in real time (down to a claimed accuracy of 5 metres). Under the new agreement, Trafficlink will "push" traffic data into users' systems at pre-defined intervals of five, ten or fifteen minutes (or on demand), and details of any hold-up will be overlaid on the screen map. The operator can then decide if there is a need to contact the driver with alternative instructions. This new facility is just the first stage in a series of developments planned by Global Telematics. Later this year, in partnership with Clarion (known better for on-board entertainment systems), the company aims to launch an enhancement of Clarion's existing Road Explorer in-vehicle navigation system. The expanded version, aimed particularly at the truck market, will add the real-time traffic input to the product, as well as routing instructions and a messaging capability.

Global Telematics, a subsidiary of Racal and European Telecom, offers various solutions to vehicle tracking, including dedicated, bureau-based and Web-based versions of its Orchid tracking system. Trafficlink, formerly known as Metro Networks, claims to be the market-leading supplier of traffic information to UK radio operators.