Get social with Traffic Scotland – new campaign shares travel news with friends and family

More than 53,000 users are already following @trafficscotland on Twitter and the service is gearing up for an increase in demand this summer, as both visitors and locals plan ahead for the major events taking place in the year of Homecoming.

This new campaign, designed to help keep Scotland moving in 2014, is asking @trafficscotland’s existing followers to spread the word and encourage friends and family to sign up for the latest travel news.

This month alone, new followers will get the latest travel updates for major events including the Queen’s Baton Relay which begins its route around Scotland on 14 June, Armed Forces Day taking place in Stirling on 28 June, and Bannockburn Live, on 28 and 29 June.

Transport Minister Keith Brown MSP said:

“Traffic Scotland on Twitter demonstrates the power of social media in delivering travel news, not only providing the latest updates direct to the public but also building a unique community of road users online.

“In the Year of Homecoming and with major events coming up including the Queen’s Baton Relay, Glasgow 2014 and the Ryder Cup, Scotland’s transport networks will be at their busiest, making it more important than ever that we keep people fully informed of route and traffic information.

“As well as people living in Scotland, the service will be invaluable to our friends and family from further afield who are planning a holiday or business trip to Scotland in 2014.

“Traffic Scotland will also be highlighting key public transport information and related announcements from partner organisations, ensuring a coordinated approach to travel planning for 2014.”

As well as making sure they are in touch with up to the minute roads information, followers who successfully sign up friends and family will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five smart phones.

The ‘Refer a Friend’ campaign will run from 6 to 30 June.

It complements other technology initiatives including the Traveline Scotland Journey Planning App, now updated with public transport details including shuttle services, extended rail timetables and additional bus services for spectators attending Glasgow 2014 events.

A Games Travel Radio internet service will also feature 24/7 updates via the web and smart phones during the busy summer period.

Traffic Scotland is managed by Amey on behalf of Transport Scotland.

David Murphy, Contract Manager at Amey, said:

“We’re pleased to be able to support this initiative to encourage more followers on Twitter.

“Whether commuters or occasional travellers, our existing followers provide regular feedback and comments to us on a daily basis, allowing us to help road users beat congestion.

“We’re always seeking to continue to improve the service, which includes access to live traffic camera views and much more information on the Traffic Scotland website.

“We’re delighted to have reached more than 53,000 followers to date and with their help we’re looking forward to signing up many more people to the service.”

Full details on how to join the campaign, including terms and conditions, are available on the Traffic Scotland website.

Smart phone prizes for the draw have been donated by Amey.