Frequently asked questions

Q.  What is the Travel Somerset service?
Travel Somerset has been designed to provide travel information to both car and public transport users about possible delays along your journey.


Q.  What data sources do we use to provide you with travel information?
Data is obtained from a range of sources, including:

The Journey Time Monitoring System: established and maintained by Somerset County Council. Journey times are calculated by placing cameras at either end of a road link. The time it takes for a vehicle to travel between the two points is recorded and then compared with historical norms to calculate an overall journey time. This information is used in a variety of ways. Journey times can be displayed on our website, on roadside traffic information signs and on partners' websites.

Traffic Signals database, signal configuration and monitoring system: maintained by Somerset County Council.

Map data: maintained by Somerset County Council's GIS team.


Q.  What is an information sign?
Information signs, also known as electronic variable message signs (VMS) are signs located at strategic points throughout the road network that display traffic information/messages to alert drivers to incidents on the network, their likely impacts and appropriate action to take. The messages are updated as appropriate and removed once the traffic disruption has ended. Signs will only be displayed on the website when a message is being displayed on street.


Q.  How often is the traffic information updated?
Most updates will be published to the website every five minutes. Real-time bus information is updated every 30 seconds.


Q.  Why is congestion information only available for selected roads?
Traffic monitoring equipment required to generate congestion data is only installed on specific sections of the road network.


Q.  Can I view the information in tabular form rather than on the map?
Tabular views of all information are available by selecting the appropriate link from the landing page.


Q.  Can I access the site on my phone or PDA?
Currently the website is accessible on certain mobile phones but has not been optimised/streamlined for this purpose.