Motorway traffic controllers call new incident software unsafe
Rijkswaterstaat staff who monitor Dutch motorways say new incident-logging software delays alerts to emergency services; the agency disputes most of the criticism.
Rijkswaterstaat traffic controllers say new software for logging accidents and other problems on the motorway is slow, unworkable and endangers road safety. Management is forcing them to use it.
The controllers say the software means it takes longer to alert emergency services and Rijkswaterstaat's own inspectors after an accident. They are happy with the part of the system that operates the cameras and information signs along the motorway.
A Rijkswaterstaat spokesperson confirmed the discontent on the shop floor but disputes most of the criticism. He does not think emergency services will arrive later. He said the software and network have improved and most faults have been fixed.
Rijkswaterstaat expects most problems to disappear as the system is improved further and staff get used to the new way of working. The spokesperson also denied that costs rose to €200m, against a budget of €169m. He said €10m less was spent.
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Rijkswaterstaat
Rijkswaterstaat is the Dutch national agency for water and infrastructure, and it is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. It manages the national motorway network, including its traffic control centres, as well as the main waterways, locks, bridges, tunnels and flood defences. Its traffic controllers monitor the motorways and log accidents, roadworks and other incidents.