China's largest-scale intelligent traffic system began operation earlier this week in east China's Shandong province, providing a 24-hour information service for drivers and travelers on the province's expressways.
Real-time pictures and information can be available on a projection screen at the control center, showing cars and trucks on the expressways, providing their locations and driving speed, and even the movements of toll collectors.
The Shandong Expressway Information and Management System, at a cost of 1.1 billion yuan (US$134 million), comprises fee collection, telecommunications, monitoring, office automation and finance services for 1,335 km of Shandong's expressways.
Local transportation officials said drivers and travelers may also obtain information about the situation on the expressways by ringing the Shandong Provincial Expressway Information and Management Center.
They may also obtain this information by tuning in to Shandong Traffic and Music Radio, which broadcasts information on expressway operations at every hour and half hour intervals in cooperation with the center.
(eastday.com February 9, 2003)
