Traffic Radio brand available to licence

The government agency responsible for roads is offering interest parties the chance to licence the Traffic Radio brand when the current service provided by GTN ends next month.

The Highways Agency says the new service would be expected to be provided with no funding from the taxpayer.

Traffic Radio started as a trial in 2007 before a formal 3-year contract was awarded by the government to Global Traffic Network (GTN) in 2008. That contract is lapsing on 31st August and isn’t being replaced because of pressures on public spending.

The service has been available on the internet, DAB multiplexes and medium wave around the Birmingham NEC – as well as via an iPhone app. The region-specific stations use information from the Highways Agency’s National Traffic Control Centre about delays on motorways and A-roads, with bulletins updated every 10 minutes at peak times.

The Highways Agency says it’s looking for a partner ‘to whom it will grant an exclusive licence to use the Traffic Radio brand’ and is inviting applications by 26th July from interested parties. Those interested can have access to documents – including evaluation reports about Traffic Radio and a draft copy of the Licensing Agreements – before submitting their proposals.

It’s understood the ‘preferred partner’ will be announced early in August to enable continuity of the service when the current contract ends. Find out more here.