How does traffic work?

alexlake · Occasional Visitor Joined: Sep 11, 2006 Posts: 4

I'm interested in getting a satnav box that understands traffic.

Having been told by Halfords that one can't demonstrate traffic while stationary, I'm worried that I've assumed these boxes are more competent than they are in practice.

I've got a scenario where we're going out to Legoland for the day,
starting in Finchley. One way is to head up the M1 and then around the M25 and an alternative route would take in the North Circ. The decision needs to be made at the end of the driveway.

If there's serious traffic on the M25, I need to be turning right and
going via NCR; likewise if there's been an accident at Staples Corner, I
might be better advised to take the M25.

Is this doable with current products? i.e. I tell the box I want to go to legoland; it sees that traversing M25 is going to take extra time, so sends me via NCR....
...or can I just ask the box "how's the M25 looking?" and then make a decision for myself to go via NCR?

Perhaps I'm a dreamer - I certainly "fell" for the usability as regards random track access of DVD's, not realising the scam of non-skippable trailers etc. Perhaps real route planning involving predicted delays due to traffic is also a myth?

Also interested in views of TM data vs Itis. I've heard a rumour (from someone who has both) that TM is better on Motorways, Itis better on A-roads.

Also, do any shops in London area offer demonstration boxes for hire to be refunded on purchase of something? Might be a good idea - I'd hire 2 boxes, run them side by side before choosing one.

totalsolutions · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 13, 2006 Posts: 20

TMC does work and you can view the traffic on screen in real time even at home before you set out. It only runs from an external power source and will need to be plugged into the car charger or the mains adaptor.

Re the testing of units out of the shop I only found Halfords with in store demo "booths" and staff who knew the products. Sat-Nav's should be flying off the shelves but no one seems to push the real benefits of owning a device and can only be viewed on the box packaging.

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