Confused about Garmin traffic data in the UK

[noddydog1]

I am really confused where traffic data is coming from on my new DriveSmart 86 satnav EU MT-D. I live in the UK and on the net I’ve worked out there are are both S and D traffic data versions of Garmin satnavs. It seems S traffic data comes from your phone and D via DAB radio. But I have also read this about what I assume is the D service:

Garmin would like to inform you that the Garmin Digital Traffic service for the United Kingdom will cease to exist as from 30th June 2021 due to the current service provider discontinuing the service.

So having just bought the 8 inch D version (I assume with moniker MT-D) of the new DriveSmart satnavs (which is the only one that has an included cable for traffic) would I actually have been better with one of the smaller S versions?

If so, why is the most expensive 8 inch Garmin DriveSmart unit more restricted for traffic data here in the UK?

It’s very confusing!

[Kremmen]

The D version is now useless in the UK as the TPEG signals are no longer broadcast.

However, from my experience the data coming in via the Smartlink app is not the same data as it was prior to the D side being switched off in June.

Prior to June the Smartlink data was abysmal as, in my area, the roadworks data was often obsolete and not unusual to have roadworks closures that were completed up to 6 months ago.
This obsolete data was filling the buffer preventing realtime traffic being collected and displayed.

The previous traffic also occasionally had a MAAS tag that from my investigation was viaMichelin.

Since June the traffic has been just as good as before and I would not be surprised to learn that the S data has been switched to the superior Inrix as the data I'm seeing is the same format.

viaMichelin never acknowledged the M4 roadworks but since June Smartlink has been identical in format and content.
_________________
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

[noddydog1]

Thanks Kremmen. So does that mean my unit will now receive traffic data via my phone (like the cheaper/smaller S models) or, instead, it can ONLY receive data via DAB (which doesn’t function in the UK now) and Garmin are only selling the D model because in many other countries it still works?

I’m coming to Garmin after 20+ years of being a TomTom user. The only reason for the move across is TT have removed many features from their new Discover model (eg hands free calling, phone notifications, Siri/Google, etc) and everything is subscription (after 1 free year of services) where even your traffic/speed camera database (previously stored on your unit) no longer works/appears once you cease subscription.

But good traffic data is a dealbreaker for me….and if this new Garmin doesn’t have it, it’s going back.

[Kremmen]

Your unit will/should receive the traffic data via your phone.

In my case it's Smartlink but newer units use MyDrive or whatever Garmin call it.

Should be easy to configure. As usual just make sure the phone and Garmin are both in discovery mode and before too long you should get a passcode to accept and away you go.
_________________
DashCam:
Viofo A119 V3

[sussamb]

See https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/666925

Works with the 86.
_________________
Where there's a will ... there's a way.

[MichaelCahill]

[sussamb]

So it does
_________________
Where there's a will ... there's a way.

[noddydog1]

Thanks everyone. Very much appreciated.

We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?.
Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!