Highways England has launched an integrated weather information system developed by the Civica Group, a UK-based company that offers digital solutions, software applications and outsourcing services.

The £5m weather information system has been designed and developed for better management of the country’s main roads during severe weather conditions as well as to support its aims of keeping the road network free flowing and safe.

Civica digital solutions executive director Steve Shakespeare said: “The road network is relied upon by people and businesses across the country and its operation is essential to people’s lives and the economy.

"The new system improves access to critical information to help Highways England to respond to weather conditions and ultimately reduce risk and save money by keeping the network safer and free flowing."

“The new system improves access to critical information to help Highways England to respond to weather conditions and ultimately reduce risk and save money by keeping the network safer and free flowing.”

The weather system has been developed by IPL, which is part of Civica’s digital solutions business.

Incorporating Exactrak vehicle navigation and reporting technology, the severe weather information service (SWIS) brings together critical information on weather forecasts, road treatment plans and winter fleet data into one single system.

Highways England weather information services sponsor David O’Connor said: “Severe weather always presents a challenge, but with Civica’s support we’re improving the user experience through access to consistent and comprehensive information, enabling us to deliver a world class service in relation to managing risk and the safety of the major road network and its users.”

The new system will be useful for Highways England and its partners to manage the risk of severe weather more effectively through improved access to dynamic real-time information.