MANTAIS CYMRU is a demonstration traffic control centre managing the trunk road network in South Wales. The project has been set up by a consortium of private sector companies who wish to extend their expertise in this technology and intend to explore the market for travel and traffic information. The Traffic Control Centre is operated by consultants on behalf of the Welsh Office. It will exist for a three year period and the outcome of the project will determine whether the concept is viable and whether to place operation of the centre with a private company. This paper examines the reasons for setting up a traffic control centre, the relative interests of the public and private sector organisations concerned, the relationships necessary with the police and public and private organisations outside the consortium, operational aspects and the expectations for the future. (A)
Abstract