Vagverket to collaborate with Europolitan

25 January 2000

Vagverket to collaborate with Europolitan; Dashboard display that tells you the right speed limit

    STOCKHOLM, Sweden--Jan. 25, 2000--Many motorists find it hard to keep track of the speed limits applying in different areas. This is why Vagverket (The Swedish National Road Administration) has initiated a project that allows drivers to view speed limit information on a display screen on their dashboard. The project is concentrated to four areas in Sweden, including Borlange, where this ISA project, as it is known, is now working with Europolitan, which is responsible for all GSM communication with the vehicles.
    Each car taking part in the project is fitted with a computerised navigation system and a digital map containing information about the speed limits applying within the testing area. GPS technology is then used to help position the vehicle on the map. The digital map can be updated via the GSM network, ensuring that the driver always has up-to-date information. The driver can then check the display to see which speed applies, and should he/she be driving too fast, a warning lamp will automatically light up and an audio signal will be triggered.
    TransportCentrum in Borlange is in charge of the trials and is using the GSM network to transfer traffic information about the roads in and around Borlange. Vagverket's project is known as ISA, Intelligent Speed Adaptation. The four municipalities included in the tests are Umea, Lidkoping, Lund and Borlange, and they are all using different technical systems. In Borlange, there are 400 drivers participating in the project and the trial is expected to be in progress for two years. If the tests prove successful, it is hoped that the technology will be adopted by the car industry and that it will eventually replace other measures aimed at reducing driving speeds.
    "Those taking part in the project are very positive to the idea, and find it a relief to be provided with information about the speed limit," says Hakan Bergea at TransportCentrum in Borlange. "The development potential is tremendous. In future it may even be possible to send out information about changes in the speed limit, traffic disruptions and slippery roads, or perhaps even news flashes about the danger of elks on the roads!"
    "Using the mobile telecoms network for areas such as traffic information services is completely in line with our activities," says Mikael Kluge, Vice President Marketing at Europolitan. "These types of services are part of the future of mobile information services, which we are investing heavily in developing."
    A picture, freely available for publication, can be downloaded at: press.europolitan se.
    Europolitan AB is a Swedish GSM operator that prioritises service and quality. The company's head office is in Karlskrona, Sweden. Europolitan is a leader in the field of technically advanced services for GSM 900/1800. The Europolitan Group, which also includes the stock market listed Parent Company Europolitan Holdings AB and Europolitan AB's sister companies Europolitan Stores AB and Doberman AB, employs around 900 people. For more information, please visit www.europolitan.se.

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