Media Release: 14 JUNE 2013

Emergency response information available on AARoadwatch platform

As people increasingly turn to social media and other web-based sources for fast facts and rich information, accuracy can be left wanting.

When a large scale emergency occurs, the need for accurate and timely information increases in order to assist people and authorities to make decisions to protect life and property.

The Automobile Association’s Roadwatch website (AARoadwatch.co.nz), run by map making subsidiary GeoSmart, has become New Zealand’s leading source for accurate traffic information.

Motorists can access the information though the AARoadwatch website as well as on some in-car navigation systems.

GeoSmart chief executive Phil Allen says when a weather bomb hits part of New Zealand, such as the event at the end of May this year, the number of users who access the site quadruples.

“This traffic increase of about 400% demonstrates the huge importance of live traffic information across New Zealand when things are getting wild out there. There is also a corresponding lift in the number of email requests for information on access to key routes around the country,” Mr Allen says.

AARoadwatch collects information from more than 45 local authorities in New Zealand, NZ Police, NZ Transport Agency and also from motorists who contact the AA’s call centre with information.

“We could provide a lot more information on our AARoadwatch website if we had increased support from the industry from more data suppliers such as electricity and lines companies, more local and regional councils and other Civil Defence organisations.

“We could include flood warnings, high wind warnings, power outage areas, natural hazard updates and services updates to enable people to be more informed through a single website,” Mr Allen says.

“However, for that to happen, the AA needs more engagement with the sources of information.”

Mr Allen says a good example of working closely with suppliers of emergency services is the Southland Civil Defence which has direct access to load incident data into AARoadwatch when a serious incident occurs in the area.

“This is information straight from its source which goes live within one minute. This can be vital in an emergency and it can’t be more up to date. This data also goes live within two minutes to all TomTom car navigation devices that support live traffic and are within a 3G network.

“We’re also working with Northland Civil Defence on how to display relevant tsunami data so people in zones that are likely to be impacted if there is a tsunami warning can work out which areas to avoid and where to go in order to be safe.”

All 66 territorial authorities in New Zealand and other agencies could use AARoadwatch in the same way. More than 15 of local authorities refer to AARoadwatch as their recommended website for the latest on road and traffic information.

“When there are floods in Southland again, snow in Canterbury or along Desert Road or storm damage in Northland, residents will be able to check AARoadwatch to determine the impact and know the information is as accurate as their local authorities can make it.”

This will mean the information will be available to anyone, anywhere which also aids neighbouring authorities planning to provide assistance.

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