SUNA storms into Gold Coast

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 21 May 2009 12:08

Your IT - Home IT

The SUNA traffic update service went live on the Gold Coast today, coinciding with severe weather and flooding.

SUNA, operated by Intelematics Australia,  transmits encoded traffic information alongside commercial FM broadcasts using the Traffic Message Channel (TMC) standard.

Already operating in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the service aggregates traffic information from a variety of sources and feeds into compatible GPS navigation systems.

This provides drivers with warnings of congestion - whether that's due to road works, a major event, or just plain heavy traffic - to help them better plan their routes.

Some GPS units have the ability to automatically recalculate the recommended route if SUNA reports delays that exceed a certain threshold.

"The SUNA service is now in its second year of operation and is moving from strength to strength, with improvements to the quality of data through service enhancements such as increased camera coverage and expanded road sensor access from Queensland Main Roads, ensuring that motorists across the country arrive at their destination on time, avoiding frustrating traffic delays, or congestion," said Adam Game, CEO if Intelematics Australia.

"SUNA will be particularly useful to Gold Coast drivers who commute to Brisbane each day as well as the local residents who have to cope with congested streets during high volume visitor periods," he added.

SUNA is not a subscription service - payment is bundled with the purchase of SUNA-enabled equipment.

The service is scheduled to be extended to Perth, Adelaide and Canberra later this year. In August 2007, Intelematics Australia officials said Adelaide and Perth would go live before the end of 2008.