Should I buy TomTom Traffic?

[TheIce]

Is it worth it? Does it really work?

[gpssparky]

Possibly. Personally I never trust one single source of information. I back up tomtom traffic with trafficTV (Traffic Master Data).
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Everywhere and nowhere

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Tomtom Go 540 Live - That's it.

[Goldie71]

ive got a copy of the files for the tomtom traffic as my trial has expired, does anyone know where im meant to install them ? 8O

[chris_w]

[Goldie71]

i agree with ^^^ the trial would be a good way to see what you get for your money. I certainly wouldnt pay what they are asking for it. i found a copy of the files on the internet so downloaded them, now i need to find out where i put the damn things !

[strickers]

Had traffic since the outset, it is wrong more often than it is right. Quite frankly it is a complete ripoff, I certainly won't be renewing.

[Goldie71]

ok, ive sorted the 'free' copy of tomtom traffic i aquired and its installed fine

[tbarnes520]

I have used TomTom Traffic for around 8 months and would say that it has saved me from around 70% of the traffic problems in the UK and more like 80% in the rest of Europe. It must have saved me in excess of 70 hours sat in traffic, but I do about 70,000 miles a year so it may not have the same impact for you.

I will not leave home without it.
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Tom

Tomtom Navigator 5 on a HP Ipaq HX4700, Mio 268, TT3 on Ipaq 5555, and a host of others.

[acmp]

I had the trial, and I won't buy it.

I drive through Nottingham regularly and there were some major road works that lasted for around 6 weeks that didn't make it into the database. Not to mention several other areas with only around 1-2 weeks disruption.

When the A52 was heavy into the city, no mention of any problems, the next day with light traffic and it announces 30minute delays.

Maybe the data is getting better (this was around 3 months ago) but it's just not worth it IMHO.

However use the trial and make up your own mind, it is free to try and easy to set up.

[TomDavison]

You should also check the cost of the GPRS link through your mobile phone. In one month, at 2 hours a day, with updates every 15 mins, I racked up 16mb of data charges. Depending on your supplier, you could be paying from £1 to £2.30 per mb. Makes it VERY expensive.

[st1967]

I use TTT and drive around 30k a year. I am on my second year now and once you learn how to use it then it is ok.

The data is not as good as Trafficmaster as they do not have bridge monitors but they get it from various other sources. I used to use Traffic master too but this year I have not renewed, if I need to double check traffic info I will use one of the mobile services (such as RAC 1740 but note it costs 60p a minute, works mobile so I don't worry about cost)

I tend to ignore any traffic info where the hold up is 10 mins or less, I have my TOMTOM set to route me if it finds a better route less than the possible hold up, this is great when you have a accident or road block it can save you hours. Gets a little annoying for some of the smaller holdups, but I tend to gauge how the road is running or if the Gantry Signs are mentioning a queue ahead before taking the new route. Sometimes I will just take the new route if its only added around 15mins to my journey just in case.

I do like the fact you see your whole journey from the outset with TTT, trafficmaster had better data but it only used to keep me informed of the next 3 junctions or so.

My GPRS costs are not great. I have it set to update every 15mins, I drive over 2000 miles a month and only have a PAYG Orange mobile set for my TTT, a £10 top up will last me over 6 months, in fact I think I'm on my 3rd top up and am not far off 2 years use.

Take the trial and try it for yourself, ok it's not brilliant but I like the "all in 1" package and once you get used to it you will save driving time.

[ColinS]

I'm waiting to see how others get on with the RDS-TMC Traffic Receiver if it ever arrives as a one off cost would suit me better.

Goldie71, What is this 'free' copy of tomtom traffic you are talking about?
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Colin

Honda Jazz EX-Navi MKIII

[fisk]

It's difficult to test the serice because we don't have absolutely reliable information.

I can say though that it was right twice on the A1 on monday morning and it's right today with the major incidents that are on theAA.com.

So as a test try checking it against say theAA.com and that way you can start to get a picture of whether it's worth having.

I'm on my free trial with vodafone payg.

[thompster]

I've been using the free trial around the M25 and it is absolute rubbish. Some examples:

It correctly shows the roadworks currently around the M25 Potters Bar - Enfield area but always shows a delay regardless of current conditions. The first time I tried TTT it warned of a 45 minute delay. Fantastic I thought and was glad of the alternate route offered. Trouble is it diverts you off the M25 at Potters Bar, through Enfield and back on the M25. Nice idea if the junction it takes you to wasn't closed in one direction - you end up having to go the opposite way on the M25, past the non existant delay, right back to where you started and then back again on the M25.

It also missed the A127 being completeley shut coming out of London last night. In fact I suspect it relies on expected delays rather than what is actually happening and as such is no more useful than a look at Teletext prior to setting out.

[moggers]

well is it possible to use a TMC module with TomTom???
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PalmOne T5, Palm OS v5.4.2,
128MB sd + 1GB,
ViaMichelin 3.3 /Mapstore
GPS: Hiacom Hi-204E with Hi-403BT

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