Motorists will soon have more real-time traffic information data at their fingertips with the NSW Nationals adding more local roads to Live Traffic NSW.
Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said 32 more councils are being trained to use the real-time road information platform to deliver more accurate information to motorists.
“We have fast-tracked the onboarding of councils who have been severely impacted by the recent flooding events, which is a major win for those travelling in and out of flood-impacted areas in NSW,” Mr Farraway said.
“This means councils like Bourke, Dubbo and Forbes will be able to upload road closure and incident information to Live Traffic NSW in real time, which feeds data into third party apps like Google Maps, Waze and Tom Tom.”
13 of the 32 councils have been able to upload their data since January 23 while the remaining 19 are undergoing training to be able to do the same from February 23.
“We know Live Traffic NSW is vital during emergency events. When major flooding started late last year, sessions on Live Traffic NSW increased up to 10-fold, so getting more accurate data for all of our roads in the one place is a big win for travellers,” Mr Farraway said.
“In October, we added the first 22 councils to the platform and a further three in December. These councils have since communicated almost 5,500 road incident updates.”
Mr Farraway also revealed emergency broadcast signs are being installed across the state.
“Within weeks we will have installed all 99 signs that will display local ABC radio frequencies so people in our regions know where to turn for emergency information during a natural disaster,” Mr Farraway said.
“This was a recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, as was the inclusion of local roads on Live Traffic NSW and we’re getting on with the job of ensuring our communities are safe in times of emergencies.”
The ABC’s Head of Regional, Rural & Emergency Hugh Martin said the signs could serve as a vital reminder for locals and visitors to regional areas.
“By reminding communities where they can turn to for reliable, up-to-date and often life-saving information in times of emergency means those communities are better protected in the future,” Mr Martin said.
“The ABC works closely with all emergency and state services and is the most trusted source of information during an emergency. This roadside information campaign is a timely reminder on where people can go to find the most reliable coverage that will keep them safe.”
Councils added to Live Traffic NSW from January 23.
• Balranald
• Bland
• Bourke
• Brewarrina
• Dubbo
• Narrabri
• Orange
• Weddin
• Forbes
• Cowra
• Cabonne
• Walgett
• Warren
List of councils onboarded to Live Traffic NSW from 23 February 2023:
• Albury
• Armidale
• Camden
• Central Coast
• Eurobodalla Shire
• Hawkesbury City
• Muswellbrook Shire
• Newcastle City
• Oberon Council
• Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional
• Shoalhaven
• Singleton
• Snowy Monaro
• Snowy Valleys
• Kiama
• Wagga Wagga
• Wingecarribee
• Wollondilly
