A major breakthrough in the provision of road traffic information for UK motorists is on the cards thanks to an agreement with a top American corporation, says the AA, writes David Duffy.

The UK's largest motoring organisation and Cue Corporation of California, USA, have agreed to enter into a joint relationship to work together with the aim of launching the UK's first RDS/TMC (Radio Data System/Traffic Message Channel) traffic information service.

RDS/TMC delivers continuous real-time traffic information over CUE's FM sub-carrier network to suitably equipped in-car radio receivers and is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.

CUE's Roadbuilder software allows traffic information to be made route-specific to the user, and eliminate traffic information that does not concern the driver, thereby allowing them access to personalised information on demand. The agreement with CUE follows the AA's highly successful trials of the new technology in co-operation with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. John Piears, Centrica's general manager for AA traffic and travel, said: "We are delighted to be working with CUE to broadcast our traffic information to motorists across the UK.

"CUE's success and experience of this technology in North America and the AA's 33-years' experience in broadcasting traffic information services, produces an indomitable combination."

Gordon Kaiser, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CUE Corporation, said: "We are fortunate to be able to work with a world-class company like the AA to develop this new service.

"We now have low-cost receivers capable of addressing both the hand-held and in-vehicle markets.

Access to the AA's ten million members, together with the ability to receive compatible service in France and Germany creates a truly international market."