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.
Contact:
Transport Scotland Press Office : 0141 272 7195
Background
1. Through the Traffic Scotland service, Transport Scotland provides a high quality public service delivering traffic information for road users on Scotland's motorway and trunk road network.
2. Based at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry, the service delivers up to date information to the travelling public about current and planned road works, accidents, journey times, congestion, weather events and park and ride facilities.
3. Via the Traffic Scotland website, Twitter feed and mobile site, road users can also see live traffic camera views, try out the carbon calculator and use the Traffic Info map to help plan the timing, routing and travel mode for current or future journeys.
4. The Traveline Scotland App provides comprehensive travel information to help plan your journey in Scotland and is now updated with travel information for Glasgow 2014. The aim of the service is to provide visitors and local residents with real time updates to help plan their journeys while they are on the move.
5. Games Travel Radio will be an internet based service featuring the latest traffic & travel updates available in the lead-up to and during the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.
7. Users will be able to access the journey planning services online and on mobile devices via www.Glasgow2014.com and links from other sites such as www.getreadyglasgow.com and www.trafficscotland.org.