New Zealand's First Ever Internet "Trafficwatch"

April 5th, 2006

Commuters in Wellington and Auckland now have an instant traffic monitor on their computers which makes it easier for them to choose the best time to travel to and from work.

This is the official launch of "TrafficWatch" - a creation by internet whizzkid, Maitland Waters from Symbio Agency. Simply visit: www.trafficwatch.co.nz to see the site in action.

By checking traffic before and after work, a commuter can quickly and easily identify traffic congestion and make choices about their drive times. The site's been in operation for just two weeks but has already had nearly 5,000 downloads. It's free and easy to use.

Maitland from Symbio, a company that specializes in interactive media design and web guru Grant Robinson developed the service because they felt New Zealanders wanted immediate solutions to help solve traffic congestion.

"It was sheer frustration that drove us to devising the site", says Maitland. "We both felt very little was being done in the short term to help with traffic problems and delays."

"TrafficWatch demonstrates how the right information at the right time can be powerful. With technology and the internet we can create a better flow in our city which will benefit everyone".

Maitland's now working closely with Wellington Region Transport Campaign Group Option3 which also advocates using technology such as broadband to cut traffic jams.

"It's a practical example of how the internet can help make traffic flow more smoothly just by giving people access to up to date information." said Option3 spokesperson Karl Baker. "If it means some people slightly delay or re-route their trip, then it makes life a lot easier and less stressful for commuters."

Baker says the idea is simple. Footage from traffic cams is already available in most cities. All that was needed was for someone like Symbio Agency to work out how to deliver it to people.

"While Wellington decision makers are talking about outdated road- building proposals like Transmission Gully, people like Maitland are taking their own initiative to provide affordable technologies that reduce congestion today, not 15 years down the track", said Baker.

Maitland says he's motivated by the need for cost effective, simple and smart solutions for people.

"I'm so excited about this project, and we'd love to hear from people across the country who have a camera they'd like connected to "TrafficWatch". This can help ease traffic congestion in every major city." New cameras can be added through the website.

About Symbio Agency Symbio Agency is a global boutique interactive services firm based in Wellington, New Zealand. Symbio are specialists in Web, Next Media Marketing and Online Strategy.

For more information please visit: http://www.symbioagency.com

About Option3 Option 3 is a package of road safety improvements, better public transport and enhanced communications infrastructure, along with many small supporting measures that make building new roads on Wellington's Western Corridor unnecessary.

http://www.option3.org.nz

ENDS