Driver information on journey time variability generated using ANPR data

The Highways Agency collected vehicle registration plate data from motorways near Birmingham between June 2000 and June 2001 using ANPR (Automatic Number-Plate Recognition) systems installed on the M6, M5 and at the M40/M42 junction. Journey times have been calculated by matching registration plates and this has provided a valuable source of data for various research purposes related to journey time variability. One use has been a study by TRL into the repeatability of journey times. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the repeatability of journey times by time of day, day of week and season and therefore the practicality of making such information available to the public; and to develop methods to enable the promulgation of the journey time data by way of the internet and other appropriate media