During the second half of 1999, the radio data system-traffic message channel (RDS-TMC) technique was used experimentally to broadcast traffic information on the French motorway network. 60% of the motorway network is covered by a dedicated radio frequency. Radio transmitters were installed every 7km along the road and the service is well used and popular. The traffic announcement (TA) system enables the receiver to switch automatically to the radio station that is providing the information, from either standby or cassette playing mode. RDS receivers can receive urgent road information that temporarily interrupts the programme they are listening to. With RDS-TMC the user may also select the language of the announcement and the message may be assigned according to its priority. The setting up of the service is described. Its operation was satisfactory but problems at some locations were identified.
Samenvatting