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Reach Issue 5 2013 | 13

the same message – but crucially in a more effective, accurate, and economical way.

This work has focused on two means of using data over the Airwave Network. Firstly the introduction of non-urgent messages sent via the short data service in much the same way as a text message is passed to a mobile ‘phone. These messages relate to basic information about routine incidents to which patrols are deployed, and have proven invaluable in saving time and improving the information fow between the control room and on-road resources. Secondly, the gradual introduction of the replacement of spoken

updates on a patrol’s status – such as “on patrol”, “arrived at scene”, and so on – with a ‘status code’ message delivered by data. This is enhanced by enabling the message to be sent by holding down the relevant key on either the hand-held or vehicle radio terminal. Once again, the benefts have been immediately visible and much welcomed by on-road and control room personnel.

Early examination of the results is showing some potential savings in the region of 30 to 40 per cent in traffc unit volumes – a considerable amount. More detailed analysis is to follow and hopefully confrm this

trend, as a greater take-up of the use of data occurs.

Airwave’s end-user engagement programme is fully engaged in getting out and about to see the effects of the changes to working practices, and feedback from both Highways Agency Traffc Technology and the Traffc Offcer Service Teams, has been overwhelmingly positive. In the same way the cost-benefts of moving more radio traffc from voice to data are being felt by the Highways Agency – a very welcome move that allows more to be done with the cost-savings to improve the overall effciency and effectiveness of the Highways Agency Traffc Offcer Service.