Road charging rebels 'in minority' Jun 9 2005

Only a small minority of motorists would refuse to have tracking devices fitted in their cars to allow the introduction of road-charging, according to a survey.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling last weekend floated controversial proposals to use hi-tech satellite systems to charge different rates for driving on different roads, ranging from 2p a mile for country lanes to 1.30 for the most congested inner-city streets.

He is expected to spell out further details of his thinking at a speech to the Social Market Foundation in London.

Mr Darling says that his proposals - which are unlikely to become reality earlier than 10-15 years from now - are not designed to drive people out of their cars, but to prevent Britain's roads reaching "gridlock".

Despite a furious response to Mr Darling's proposals from motorists' groups, the survey found just 16% of "refuseniks" insisting that nothing would make them have a tracking device in their cars in a road-charging scheme.

Others said they would be encouraged to install a "black box" if it would also help emergency services locate them after a crash (27%), give them discounts on road-user charges (24%), allow them to avoid repeated payments for road use (21%), help reduce their insurance premiums (20%), relay traffic information to their car (15%), provide proof of payment (13%) or provide directions and information about places of interest (9%).

The survey, carried out by Mori for IT consultancy Detica, suggests that Mr Darling may overcome public resistance if he ensures his scheme combines tracking technology with services attractive to motorists, said Detica's head of transport Grant Klein.

"Technology can be used to ensure charging is based on vehicle type, road type, time of day, even level of congestion - this creates the potential for a much fairer means of charging," he said.

"In addition, with such a scheme, there is greater scope for ensuring that the honest motorist no longer picks up the tab for insurance and road-tax evaders. By tracking those who fail to comply and pay their way, law-abiding motorists will see the benefit in their pockets and through improved safety.

"When presented with a list of potential benefits, 73% of vehicle owners we spoke to said they would consider having a device fitted. So the Government needs to push the benefits message home."

cant believe people have missed this

look at how much the share was when Rover was in, then think about how much more cars seat sell, this is a stonking standard fit

1.50 is where should be now

katcenka

Don't assume that because others are not posting that they have not dipped in. Recent contract wins are very encouraging.

Problem is with the chart, has been in a strong downtrend since sept/oct last year and yet to see that trend firmly broken. Would also like to see the 9 EMA break above the 50 EMA, which should happen fairly soon. MACD looks positive and RSI has plenty of room to go.

pth

TFC seem to have made some friends at VW.Whats next,Skoda and then VW itself.Correct me if im wrong but isnt VW the biggest car maker in Europe?
Recent contracts should wipe out losing Rover.Is TFC due to anything from the Rover recievership?They are probably way down the list.

yes we must not forget seat is part of the VW/AUDI Group ;-)

Trafficmaster wins 3 year contract for Audi real-time sat-nav traffic data
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - Trafficmaster PLC said it won a three-year deal from Volkswagen AG to provide traffic information to satellite navigation systems for Audi vehicles.

Under the deal, Audi will integrate RAC Trafficmaster's RDS TMC (Radio Data System Traffic Message Channel) service initially on satellite navigation systems fitted in Audi A6 and A8 cars from Nov 2005.

Financial details were not disclosed.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

lam





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The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.

16/Jun/2005
AGM Statement 2005


AGM Statement 2005

At today's Annual General Meeting, Colin Walsh, Chairman of Trafficmaster plc, will make the following comments:

Overall, Trafficmaster remains on course, despite soft market conditions for new car sales, to meet its 2005 objectives and the Board remains confident on the outlook. Comments on each of our divisions are as follows:

Teletrac - US fleet management business
Teletrac, the Group's largest business unit, has continued its strong growth so far in 2005. Growth is being driven by wider geographical coverage and increased penetration in a number of major accounts.

Smartnav - Satellite navigation business
As previously disclosed, the collapse of MG Rover has had a serious impact on first half sales of Smartnav. This, combined with the current soft market for new vehicle sales in the UK, has adversely affected the volumes of Smartnav sold in the UK. Interest in Smartnav remains high, however, and we continue to enter new sectors of the market, as evidenced by our recent contract with Lloyds TSB who are now actively promoting the product to their Autolease customers.

Traffic Information
Our RDS-TMC traffic information services are fully operational and providing traffic information over the FM radio into conventional on-board navigation systems. We have three customers for this service now and will begin earning revenues from RDS-TMC by the end of June 2005.

Trackstar - Stolen vehicle tracking business
Trackstar is performing to expectations and now offers a Thatcham certified category 5 tracking unit. As insurance companies increasingly adopt this standard, this development will strengthen our position in the all important insurance sector of the stolen vehicle tracking market particularly for high value vehicles.

For further information please contact:
Trafficmaster Tel: 01234 759 300
Stuart Berman, Chief Executive
Nigel Bond, Finance Director

Financial Dynamics Tel: 020 7831 3113
Ben Atwell / Lucy Briggs

RNS Number:7536O
Trafficmaster PLC
12 July 2005

For Immediate Release

12 July 2005



TRAFFICMASTER WINS CONTRACT WITH SEAT TO PROVIDE SMARTNAV AS A STANDARD FIT FOR
CERTAIN MODELS



Trafficmaster, the leading journey management company, has signed an agreement
with SEAT UK to fit Smartnav as standard into SEAT Leon FR and Leon Cupra R
models. Acclaimed as one of the easiest satellite navigation systems to use,
Smartnav incorporates Trafficmaster's real time traffic information to calculate
routes around traffic jams, thus reducing stress for drivers.



SEAT customers will not only benefit from Smartnav's advanced navigation, but
will also have a free 12 month subscription to RAC Trackstar, the leading GPS
based stolen vehicle tracking service, and can choose to add Touchscreen - a
small screen that provides visual instructions to complement the step-by-step
verbal directions. In addition customers can take advantage of the optional
service, Safe Speed - an integrated speed camera alert system.



The agreement follows the successful partnership with SEAT's motorsport
division, SEAT Sport UK. As the official sponsor of the Smartnav SEAT Cupra
Championship, which runs alongside the British Touring Car Championship,
Smartnav has gained brand awareness and exposure amongst motoring enthusiasts.



Mark McKenna, Head of Marketing of SEAT, says:



"Out of all the satellite navigations systems on the market, Smartnav offers a
truly comprehensive driving solution. Not only does it stop you from getting
lost using up-to-date mapping stored on Trafficmaster's central computers, but
it dynamically guides you around traffic problems and tracks your car if it is
stolen. To top it all, whether customers have the button only or the
Touchscreen, Smartnav is so simple to use and takes out the stress of driving on
today's busy roads. It is a great addition to our cars."



Adrian Joseph, Group Sales & Marketing Director at Trafficmaster comments:



"Smartnav's popularity is down to its simplicity and the way it effectively
manages the motorist's journey. It can navigate you to your destination, direct
you around traffic jams, warn you of speed cameras and track your car if it has
been stolen."

Katchenka

Nobody is going to take you seriously if all you have to offer is the re-posting of every RNS issued by TFC.

Falls under the heading of 'ramping' and very poor ramping at that!

pth

these are the recent posts ptholden, and no one took notice, this year is going to be better than expected results

I am expecting a re-rating... this is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy tooooooooooooooooooo cheap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellent, well done you got your re-rating but DOWN!!!!!!!!!! Hope you have learned a lesson about over 'promoting' a stock. It doesnt make your judgement look good at the moment. If you want people to take you seriously you need to follow the advice.

Cybit wins contract with Europecar for Trackstar/Smartnav fit.At least 500 high class cars will be fitted.

If them garmins work as good on the road as they do in boats it will be spot on.

Another good deal for tfc.Garmin are a well known brand and drive their own sales.This is another brand new revenue stream for tfc,competing directly with tomtom.

good time to jump in, Directors could be buying shares, been some interesting buys on friday..

also with the new crime wave of portable satnavs from cars on the up, people may reconsider buying portables and fitting smartnav... they may as well.

the positive is RDS TMC is being taken up and will be in the second half results along with garmin and navman... all looks positive, dought these will get any cheaper... possible 200% return within two months

loads of sells today and still the price is up... whats going on

another tfc thread

and another

Directors interest changed yesterday.
http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200512231020261637W.html

yes TFC chairman has bought 100,000 shares...

FINALLY