A RECENT accident has raised questions about the reliability of the NSW Live Traffic app.
According to information on the App, “Live Traffic NSW provides real-time information about incidents and changes in traffic conditions that affect your journey.
“Our aim is to help customers make the best possible travel decisions that will, in turn, contribute to the safe and efficient management of NSW roads.”
The App is maintained by Transport for NSW (TfNSW).
On 30 November NSW, about 1.50pm, there was a serious car accident at Craven where the driver of the car involved in the accident sadly lost his life.
As a result of the accident, Bucketts Way, the main south access route from Gloucester, was closed in both directions for many hours.
At no stage was the incident noted on the Live Traffic App.
News Of The Area sought comment from TfNSW as to why such a significant disruption to traffic did not appear on the App.
“Information on local and regional road disruptions is provided by local councils,” said TfNSW.
“Councils across all local government areas in NSW have been invited to publish information on Live Traffic NSW.
“The information provided by councils varies according to their hours of operation and road monitoring capabilities.”
NOTA sought comment from MidCoast Council which manages and maintains Bucketts Way.
“MidCoast Council has no obligation or responsibility to communicate when roads have been closed by NSW Police,” said a spokesperson for the Council.
“If and when an incident occurs, and if NSW Police inform Council through the proper channels, Council will provide updates on the Live Traffic website as a courtesy.
“In this particular case MidCoast Council was not informed.
“NSW Police also have the ability to pass on road closure information to other relevant authorities that are able to update the Live Traffic website.”
Comment was sought from NSW Police but no response was received.
NOTA asked TfNSW whether it was correct to suggest that the Live Traffic App cannot be regarded as always providing accurate, reliable and up to date information to motorists.
“Transport for NSW’s Transport Management Centre (TMC) monitors 18,000 kilometres of state roads and publishes information on incidents and traffic conditions 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said a Transport for NSW spokesperson.
“Following recommendations from the 2019/2020 Bushfire Inquiry, all 128 NSW councils have been invited to contribute local road information to Live Traffic NSW.
“While councils and emergency services are strongly encouraged to provide updates, these arrangements are collaborative rather than legislated.
“Live Traffic NSW strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, the timeliness of updates can depend on the source of the information, particularly for local roads managed by councils.
“The Live Traffic NSW app and website make clear that while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, motorists should exercise caution and remain alert to changing conditions.”
By John WATTS
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